This very simple free crochet tunic pattern is perfect for layering over anything from a tank top and leggings to a swimsuit. Changing hook sizes is a terrific way to work shaping into a complicated stitch pattern so you don’t have to fiddle with too much increasing or decreasing in pattern.
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Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: S/M (L/XL, 2X/3X); Finished Bust: 40 (47, 54)”
Gauge: 1 Repeat/12 sts = 3.5” [9 cm] in pattern st after blocking with 7 (4.5 mm) hook; 5 rows = 4” [10 cm] in pattern st after blocking with 7 (4.5 mm) hook
MATERIALS
Yarn: 1000 (1300, 1550) yds worsted weight acrylic/wool blend yarn (CYCA 4, Medium) Model shown in Kraemer Yarns Perfection (70% acrylic, 30% domestic merino; 260 yards/100 grams) in colorway #Y2227 Dew Drop 4 (5, 6) skeins UPDATE the colorway seems to have been discontinued but there are several other lovely choices available!
Hooks: US sizes 7 (4.5 mm), H/8 (5.0 mm), I/9 (5.5 mm), J/10 (6.0 mm), K/10.5 (6.5 mm), and L/11 (8.0 mm) hooks
Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle
PATTERN NOTES
Ch-3 counts as 1 dc but in rows that begin with half shells, the directions tell you how many dc to put in the very first dc in addition to the beg-ch-3.
Remember to go down one hook size after every 5 rows, until you get to the 7 (4.5 mm) hook, with which you will complete the project.
TUNIC
Back:
With hook size L/11 (8.0 mm) ch 100 (112, 124).
Row 1: 4 dc in 4th ch from hook, ch 2, sk 5 ch, dc in next ch, [ch 2, sk 5 ch, (4 dc, ch 4, 4 dc in next ch), ch 2, sk 5 ch, dc in next ch] 7 (8, 9) times, ch 2, sk 5 ch, 5 dc in last ch. Ch 3, turn. (7 (8, 9) shells)
Row 2: 3 dc in first dc, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next dc, [ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, [(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next dc] 7 (8, 9) times, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp and 4 dc, 4 dc in last dc. Ch 3, turn.
Row 3: 2 dc in first dc, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next dc, [ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, [(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in next ch-2 sp] 7 (8, 9) times, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp and 3 dc, 3 dc in last dc. Change to size K/10.5 (6.5mm) hook, ch 3, turn.
Row 4: Dc in first dc, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next dc, [ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, [(dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp] 7 (8, 9) times, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp and 2 dc, 2 dc in last dc. Ch 5, turn.
Row 5: Sk first ch-2 sp, (4 dc, ch 2, 4 dc) in next ch-2 sp, [ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch-2, sk ch-2 sp, (4 dc, ch 2, 4 dc) in next ch-2 sp] 7 (8, 9) times, ch 2, sk 1 dc, dc in last dc. Ch 3, turn.
Row 6: Dc in first dc, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 sp, [ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, (dc, ch 2, dc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next dc] 7 times, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, 2 dc in 3rd ch of t-ch. Ch 3, turn.
Row 7: Rep Row 3.
Row 8: Rep Row 2.
Row 9: 4 dc in first dc, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, dc in next ch-2 sp, [ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, (4 dc, ch 4, 4 dc in next ch-2 sp), ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, dc in next ch-2 sp] 7 (8, 9) times, ch 2, sk 4 dc, 5 dc in last ch. Ch 3, turn.
Rep Rows 2-9 for pattern until 33 rows have been completed, ch 1, turn at the end of the last pattern row, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME going down one hook size after every 5 rows have been completed until you get to the 7 (4.5 mm) hook, with which you will complete the piece.
Armhole Decreases
Row 1: Sl st in each dc and ch until you have 1 sl st in 2nd ch-2 sp, ch 5, sk first ch-2 sp, (4 dc, ch 2, 4 dc) in next ch-2 sp, [ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, dc in next ch-2 sp, ch-2, sk ch-2 sp, (4 dc, ch 2, 4 dc) in next ch-2 sp] 6 (7, 8) times, ch 2, sk ch-2 sp, dc in next ch-2 sp, leave remaining sts unworked. Ch 3, turn.
Continue on in pattern as established, beginning with Row 6 of Back, but working bracketed instructions 6 (7, 8) times instead of 7 (8. 9) times, until work measures 7.5 (8.5, 9)” or desired armhole depth. End off.
Front
Rep all instructions for Back until 25 rows have been completed. Place stitch marker in center ch-2 sp.
Divide for Neckline
Continue on in pattern as established, dividing for the V-neck by working each side of the Front separately on either side of the stitch marker.
Decrease one stitch at neck edge every row until each side measures 4” (all sizes).
Continue on in pattern as established until armhole measures same as Back. End off.
Finishing
Block both pieces to measurements on schematic.
Crochet Front to Back with single crochet along side seams and shoulder seams.
Edgings
With 7 (4.5 mm) hook, work 2 rounds of single crochet around each armhole.
With 7 (4.5 mm) hook, work 2 rounds of single crochet around neckline, beginning anywhere on the back neck edge, and working a decrease at the center front point to make sure it lays flat.
Bottom Edging
With size L/11 (8.0mm) hook, work Row 1 around bottom hem on the opposite side of the foundation chain. Join rnd with sl st in first dc, end off.
Weave in all ends.
I hope you enjoy this free crochet tunic pattern!